Mgr Marek Zalewski’s new task as new nuncio in Hanoi
The Polish archbishop is also the new nuncio in Singapore, replacing Mgr Leopoldo Girelli. For Mgr Giuse Nguyễn Chí Linh, “There are still obstacles between the Vietnamese government and the Catholic community that have not been removed." Restrictions on religious freedom and land disputes are among the main difficulties the Church faces in Vietnam.
Hanoi (AsiaNews) - On 21 May, Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Marek Zalewski of Poland (picture 1) as the new nuncio to Singapore and non-resident representative of the Holy See in Vietnam.
Mgr Giuse (Joseph) Nguyễn Chí Linh (picture 2), archbishop of Huế and president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Vietnam (CBCV), welcomed the decision.
For the prelate, "Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli concluded his tenure as Vatican representative in Vietnam in September 2017, and I believe that all Catholics in Vietnam are eagerly awaiting his replacement.”
Speaking about the outgoing papal envoy, the Archbishop Nguyễn said, “the most burning desire in His Excellency's tenure was raising the relationship between the Holy See and Vietnam to a higher level.” Mgr Girelli “regularly consulted with the Bishops' Conference on all issues, from the smallest to the biggest, involving the Church in Vietnam and each diocese and congregation.
“Pursuant to the regulations of the Vietnamese government, each non-resident representative of the Holy See in Vietnam can only stay for a month.” And Mgr Girelli “always strictly abided by this diplomatic rule. At the same time, as a pastor, he did not mind the challenging distances and road conditions to reach parishes in remote and isolated areas, visiting the underprivileged and the unfortunate, regardless of their religion, to share love."
Regarding the possibility of normalising diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Vietnam, the archbishop noted that, "After 1957 in the North and after 1975 in the South, the Vietnamese government did not maintain a diplomatic relation with the Vatican as the previous political regimes did. But under bilateral agreements, when a need arises, one party can send envoys to the other for negotiation or exchange of information.”
“It was not until 2011 that the Holy See was allowed to appoint a representative in Vietnam, but only with a non-permanent status, that is, at the lowest diplomatic level.
"The recent history of the Vietnamese people is complicated because of the Cold War mind-set still deeply rooted in many Vietnamese people. This is due to the fact that people's attitudes are not in unison and to the pressure coming from East and South Asia. The relationship between Vietnam and the Holy See was established in such a difficult context, so it is not surprising if it encounters many obstacles.
“Currently, one of the political goals the government has set out is to promote the integration of the country into the international community. I think the relationship between Vietnam and the Holy See will be improved if the Vietnamese government also integrates its diplomatic views with those of the Holy See, as do most other countries in the world.”
Talking about the restrictions on religious freedom on the Church in Vietnam, the CBCV president said, "Objectively speaking, there are still many restrictions, especially in the area of appointing bishops. Under the agreement between the Holy See and the Government of Vietnam, proposing bishops is the right of the Holy See. The Vietnamese State has no right to nominate candidates but has the right to refuse or approve.
"In the past, this was quite a tough issue, but I have to acknowledge that the most challenging task today is the appointment of the archbishops of Hanoi and Saigon. Since the two sides have become more sensitive to each other, episcopal appointments have become relatively easier than before in all the other dioceses."
"There are still obstacles between the Vietnamese government and the Catholic community that have not been removed. For instance, the Catholic community to this day has not been allowed to get involved in health, educational, and social activities at the national level.
“Nevertheless, in comparison with the period of reforms, many religious activities have been partially unshackled, such as celebrations, ordinations, and construction activities. We still hope that the government will speed up authorisations on a broader scale", Archbishop Nguyễn said.
The thorniest issue between the Church and the government remains that of land. "Land is a hot file, not only for the Church in Vietnam but also for many other social groups. Official statistics show that as many as 73 per cent of complaints are related to land and housing. Of course, on matters related to Church properties, the CBCV has the responsibility to speak up in a certain way.
"The problem is how to speak up and with whom to speak? I think speaking out to the public and the media is a very sensitive issue. Without adequate consideration, it can mess up relationships and beliefs. Catholics are both Christians and Vietnamese citizens. Being loyal to both at the same time in a monolithic society like Vietnam is not a simple matter.
"Still, the CBCV must take a stand, which is to speak out when necessary, speak out straightforwardly yet delicately. I mean: our voice must be heard and acknowledged as the message of a well-intentioned community that wants to build and improve, not attack and cause misunderstandings."
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17/06/2008
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